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The Oakland Raiders may have plenty of work to do on the field for the 2019 NFL season, but owner Mark Davis’ top priority will be hashing out a deal to play at the Oakland Coliseum.

The team’s search for a home next season has gone on longer than some may have predicted. Fortunately, the tumultuous saga between the team and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum officials seems to finally be coming to an end.

Reports had surfaced about the regained mutual interest from both sides. It appears there is actually some truth to them.

The Raiders appear to be close to wrapping up a deal to keep the team playing at the Oakland Coliseum this year and possibly in 2020. An announcement is expected this week or early next week, according to sources close to the talks.

“It’s for one year for sure, with an option for the second year,” said one source who could not speak on the record because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

It is encouraging to see both sides finally be able to work things out. It is safe to say they have come a long way since the Raiders announced their looming relocation.

When the team decided to move to Las Vegas, city officials had planned to file a lawsuit against the Raiders and the NFL. Davis seemed adamant that he would end negotiations if they followed through with the suit.

The Raiders have since spent some time scouting other venues in the Bay Area, but it is starting to look as though they will stay put. The team would pay $7.5 million under the new deal and $10.5 million next season if the stadium in Las Vegas is not finished by the 2020 season.